I just completed my November Newsletter, where I reflected on all the changes that have taken place in the past year and how those changes are refocusing me on what my values are and how necessary it is for me to recommit to living those values. Here are a few excerpts from that Newsletter.
In my June newsletter I talked about dealing with unpredictable change. What I said in that article is, “I have learned over the years that my life is not nearly as predictable as I would like. In fact, it is constantly shifting and moving in ways that are difficult to anticipate and orchestrate.” What I was referring to in that article was the relatively spontaneous decision for Christine and I to move our home and business into a new townhouse. It was definitely the right decision for us; however that kind of spontaneous decision can really disrupt the daily flow of life and put a person into a mental and emotional tailspin. I was the one doing more of the spinning as I struggled to come to terms with the cost mentally, emotionally and financially of such a move.
A couple of months after our move, we faced the prospect of unpredictable change that was more severe in nature. I had some tests to determine the extent of some internal bleeding. Gratefully, the health scare ended up being nothing more than a scare. However, it was a valuable wake-up call refocusing us to consider what is really important in our lives. I am reading an interesting book right now called, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” The main thesis of the book is identified by author Mark Manson, when he says, “There is a subtle art of not giving a f*uck. And though the concept may sound ridiculous and I may sound like an as*shole, what I am talking about here is essentially learning how to focus and prioritize your thoughts effectively – how to pick and choose what matters to you and what does not matter to you based on finely honed personal value.”
This statement by Manson is probably the most important thing I have read this year. What I hear Manson saying to me, is that I have to focus and prioritize my whole being…thoughts, emotions and behaviors on what matters the most to me; on my personal values. This kind of focusing is a difficult because I get so caught up in the less important pursuits of my life that are not driven by my values but by my need for achievement and success. The one focus is narrow and self centered and on what gives me a sense of personal value while the other is on how I can bring value to the world and to others. So, once again, I feel I am being called back to my sense of purpose and calling. The trick is on how to apply this focus to my business.
In my September newsletter I talked about a book called Pivot. It is a book that inspired me to consider changes in my business that would provide me with the opportunity to keep running Inside Out. Here is what I said about pivoting in that article. Pivoting is a change of direction to see more clearly my options so that ultimately I can move forward more effectively and more successfully.
I went on to say, “I really like the idea of it; however, the challenge is that I can get so stuck in old business models and strategies with all the routines and habits associated with those strategies that nothing changes. When that happens, I believe that I am in need of a circumstance or event to materialize that forces me to look at where I am at and especially at what is not working in my life.”
The circumstance that became a game changer for me was moving Deeper Connections into our home once the Royal Anne became unavailable due to an AC unit breakdown.
An Adjusted Business Model
Running Deeper Connections at home turned out to be a revelation. It was by far the easiest, most inspiring Deeper that I can remember. Because I was forced to make a pivot I was able to see differently. And, I want to pay attention to what I saw through this new pair of inspirational glasses. I want to stay in the pivot position and make some decisions based on what I saw in that Deeper Connections weekend.
Probably the biggest change I want to make moving forward is to run more programs out of our home with a smaller group of people. I do believe that Connections will continue to operate out of a hotel; however, I think that we can run Deeper Connections, Couples Connections, EGO, Exceptional Life and other secondary programs out of our home.
A Business Model on Purpose
Christine and I recently ran Couples Connections out of our home and once again it was an easier program to run and I believe more impactful because of the more casual, intimate, connected environment. And, the most important realization about doing business in this manner is that it provides Christine and I with the opportunity to live out our purpose as individuals and as a couple. We have discovered over the past year that our combined gifts are about generosity and hospitality. We have been blessed with a beautiful home and the resources to not only run programs but to offer our gifts as an act of service to those that need healing and growth. Some of you may remember that leadership commitment number seven says, I acknowledge that there is a higher purpose active in my service. As a couple, we want to live that statement.
A New Cost Structure
In keeping with our desire to live generously I would like to offer a new cost structure for Inside Out Programs. I will continue to set the price of the programs as they are, as I truly believe they are worth the investment; however, what I want to offer anyone who truly wants to attend a program and believes they cannot afford the investment, I am willing to allow them to pay whatever you believe they can afford. The only stipulation is that they are not allowed to pay nothing. Over the next few years, I encourage all of us as the Inside Out Community to bring people to this life changing experience. Let’s find a way to pay it forward and pass this miracle on without limitations…even the financial limitations that individuals often use as an excuse to not do the work.
I would welcome your feedback concerning this new approach,
Terry
